Health library

Lead poisoning builds up in your body over a period of months or years. Lead is a metal that's found in nature, deep within the ground. It also exists in the air, soil, water and even in our homes.

Lead is also found in some candies and salt products imported from East Indian, Indian, Middle Eastern, West Asian and Hispanic cultures. It also can be found in paint, pottery, household dust, water pipes, imported canned goods, and herbal or folk remedies.

Lead poisoning symptoms include:

• High blood pressure.
• Joint and muscle pain.
• Memory/concentration difficulty.
• Headache.
• Abdominal pain.
• Mood disorders.
• Seizures.

It can also damage the kidneys, nervous system and brain development, where irreversible damage can occur.

Do you have more questions about lead poisoning? Please visit your doctor or call the Kern Public Health Services Department at 661.321.3000.